In teen years, a “best friend forever” can simply be someone who doesn’t gossip about you or steal your boyfriend. In later years, BFFs should be supportive, understanding, accepting, encouraging, dependable—and fun!
Be Honest
Being a best friend isn’t all unicorns and rainbows. A true friend is honest, which is easier said than done. If your friend is doing something that you think isn’t in their best interest, or worse, actually dangerous, it’s up to you to tell them. If you don’t lead them away from dressing 16 at work when they are actually 36, or telling them that their boyfriend is cheating on them, who will?Make it clear that you’re protecting them, not judging them—after all, none of us are perfect—and, most importantly, that you are helping them from a place of love. Strangers are polite; not wanting to hurt a friend’s feelings isn’t doing them a favor.
